Egypt Eases Gaza Crossing

Move seen as symbolic of Egypt's new political direction.

For the first time in four years, many Palestinians are allowed to cross freely from Gaza into Egypt after the military government in Cairo relaxed its restrictions on the border. The move is strongly opposed by Israel, which closed its own borders with Gaza, along with Egypt, back in 2007 when Hamas seized power. Israel is concerned that weapons will be smuggled into Gaza through Egypt, but Egypt insists thorough searches will be conducted at the border. Women and children and men over 40 are able to cross the border freely, while men aged between 18 and 40 will still require a permit. Cross-border trade is still prohibited. The easing of the border comes three months after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak lost power, and is seen by many as symbolic of Egypt's new political direction.